Tübitak is the Turkish public agency in charge of promoting, implementing and managing scientific and technological research and development. In addition to conducting research activities by means of its own research institutes and staff, Tübitak is also involved in research funding and management, policy making and establishing relations with sectors benefiting from research and development (academic-industrial relations). Its major aim is to build up research capacities, play a leading role in the creation of a science and technology culture and contribute to the improvement of the competitive power and prosperity of Turkey.

Academic research and development funding is decided and monitored by the Research Grant Committees. For instance, the Committee for Health Sciences is the main body in charge of evaluating research projects on rare diseases. For the last five years, an average budget of € 0,5 million per year has been dedicated to funding of research projects on rare diseases.